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DORSET MPs WELCOME LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Seven Dorset MPs have today (Monday 26th February 2018) issued the following statement:

“We are delighted by the Government’s announcement that the proposals to slim down local government in Dorset have been approved. While the process has been long the prize has been worth it.

Given the pressures on public spending, the only affordable way to meet the needs of the elderly, the young and the working population is to reduce unnecessary overheads and to streamline service delivery. In particular, we need completely new ways of working if we are to fill the funding gap in education for pupils with special needs and to provide the proper adult social services that are crucial both for our frail elderly population and for our local NHS.

These proposals will make such innovation and efficiency possible by replacing our current nine councils with just two new single tier councils -- a massive reduction in bureaucracy.

This has been a 'grassroots' initiative, with huge levels of local support from the public, councillors and bodies such as the Local Enterprise Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce. The proposals were supported by 62% of residents, all strategic stakeholders, eight of our nine local councils and seven of the eight Dorset MPs‎. We strongly welcome the fact that central government has listened to these local voices.

We recognise that some people in Christchurch will be less than happy with the decision. But we believe that we can now all work together, in a true spirit of collaboration, to make sure that this is the success it needs to be. As in other recent political events, we call upon everyone involved in Dorset local government to come together, regardless of political party or particular view, accept the result and work together for the good of our constituents.”